Note that Coehlo is only the first 20 mins or so of the video. Other speakers following, including one of the folks behind the Simpsons.posted by dobbs at 11:20 AM on January 25, 2008

If only someone had been saying this for many years, so many lawsuits could have been avoid. Ah well, now that they know I'm sure we'll see some rational behavior!posted by DU at 11:26 AM on January 25, 2008

This is an interesting idea.

I have often wondered whether having even just the first few chapters of a book online helps with sales. With a big name author I would think the increase would be not be so great, but a new author I am sure it would only help increase real sales.

Has someone created an authors version of MySpace (not so bloody ugly) where authors can post links to a couple of chapters or the whole damn thing if they want? Plus would have links to wherever the book is sold (Amazon, LuLu, whatever) and other info about them, book tours, readings etc.posted by Razzle Bathbone at 11:44 AM on January 25, 2008

> I have often wondered whether having even just the first few chapters of a book online helps with sales. With a big name author I would think the increase would be not be so great, but a new author I am sure it would only help increase real sales.

Seth Godin has done just that, with his marketing books. as a matter of fact, he has published free downloadable versions of his books, and these in turn have become bestsellers in hard cover.

sure I'll download a book to read, but if it is good, it feels good to read it again by holding it in my hands and turning the pages as well. Of course, only some types of books respond well to this concept - most books don't lend themselves well to this concept.posted by seawallrunner at 5:42 PM on January 25, 2008

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